Split/cracking driver seat - another photo

[kgeddes]

Quote from the 2012 BMW X5 brochure:

"the specially selected leather is treated with such lavish care that its soft, supple texture is extraordinarily long-lasting"

Think that bit was written by Pinocchio 

[Nat]

Oh dear..............it all leaves a very bad taste.

It is not my field, but I would be tempted to talk to someone on " trading standards ". If it is advertised as leather and it turns out not to be then thats...........whats the correct terminology ? Lying ?.

Thing is, they won't replace it as its not just 1 seat. You will want the other side done as well . Then of course once its been done once, the precedent is set and we will all want ours done if ours fail..........and they will as plastic/leatherette/faux leather is not fit for purpose where it is in this case.
Clearly BMW cost cutting.
I know you have been left disappointed. I would be too. However what i will say is that ultimately BMW is a much better product than a Range Rover. It will certainly be more reliable . Sadly I think yours is the first case of cracked seat I have ever seen . Maybe the previous owner was just a "fat bastard" , which doesn't help you.
I would keep at it , you never know they may relent and for sure we all now know to look at the seats when buying.
As for the main dealers / service /customer experience, all I can tell you is that  my own personal experience ; which spans over 20 years ,  BMW main dealers that I have tried are all shit.
I have owned many cars in my life time and I have yet to come across a main dealer that can actually do the job properly. I have found independent garages on the whole to be considerably better.
Thus I buy a car on the cars merits/reputation/quality , but never on the dealerships.

I think my next purchase will be a Land Cruiser V8 . There is a reason all insurgents / terror groups use toyota's and why the UN have so many. It is interesting that anywhere where it is hostile they don't use anything from the Land Rover group . Speaks volumes that does.

I am sorry you have had such a miserable experience and hope it gets sorted out favourably.

Keep us posted.

[kgeddes]

Thanks Nat.

The guy I met on Saturday was definitely using the possiblity of a "calorifically challenged" previous owner as a possible reason for the cracking.....still just not good enough though! Changing the design from leather to vinyl is just stupid!

Found this wee bit of smallish print in the 2012 brochure, suggests the other bits are not leather 

"Leather upholstery includes all seating surfaces, headrests, door armrests and front center console armrest.
Nappa Leather adds Leather-wrapped dashboard and center console"

I've had a look at the two front seats and I am wondering if the seat covers could be changed over ie. the drivers seat cover on the passenger seat and vice versa...they look identical...anybody know if this would be possible?

I'll keep banging away at them and see where it all ends up.....

[Nat]

I had a look , seem to have different part numbers................still doesnt mean its that different.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=52_3305

I think the best bet / cheapest option is to find a local trimmers who can take that cover off and stitch in a new leather panel.

They do come up on the bay...................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E70-X5-FR ... SwHoFXvb5U

A complete swap and sell yours may be an option..................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E70-20 ... Swux5YKf23


Of course you can always go for the " Just shat in " look....................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E70-40 ... Sw4A5Yt1CH

What possesses some people ........!

[CondorX5]

Posted a pic of my seat on your other thread, our E70s are of very similar age and mileage - there is absolutely no sign of cracking and splitting as yours shows, I am pretty sure that is not proper leather.

[kgeddes]

Thanks CondorX5, I see you have comfort seats in your X5....maybe a different design with leather in the panel I'm have the issue with?

I will update thread when the 'powers that be' get back to me......

[kgeddes]

RESULT! 

Just got this from BMW UK:

"Thanks for your email.

I’ve checked our records and I can see that XXXXX XXXXXXXXX has been in contact with us, and we’ve agreed to contribute towards the repair costs.

We’ve agreed to cover 100% of the parts, and 50% of the labour – just leaving you the rest to pay.

I’m glad we could help on this occasion.

Kind regards"

Total bill £1166.87! 

The rest for me to pay is £148.55.

So, I'm really quite happy about this as new foam is also included.

Has helped to restore my faith in the X5, for now.......

[Nat]

Result................

But only right too. Lets be clear , they should foot the bill. They certainly aren't scared to charge. The thick end of £1200 to fix that is outrageous. Clearly they are replacing a lot more but thats their call.

I have 2 questions.

1. How about the other seat ?
2. Will you negotiate for me next time i have an issue ?

Glad you are happier.

[X5Sport]

Glad you have got such a positive response.  Perhaps they are monitoring the Forum.......

[kgeddes]

Nat.....very pleased, pity it wasn't a free repair, as it should have been! Utterly outrageous price of nearly £1200! The passenger seat is completely perfect with no imperfections whatsoever, very rarely used. Maybe I should make a career of negotiating with car dealers? I think not!!!  :'(

X5Sport.....thank you, maybe they are, they would learn a lot!

THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE THREAD, GREATLY APPRECIATED!

[CondorX5]

Great result.  More often than not, I have had similar responses to warranty issues and goodwill contributions, but Nat seemed to have had a bad time with his E53 and dealer responses.  I have found my local main dealer rather useless and inept at nearly everything but eventually get things sorted.

Yes, my 40d has comfort seats - the leather on them is very soft and supple. Trouble is I will now want them on all future cars!  They are just the best car seat I have ever used and perfect if you have back problems, long drives and commutes are no problem at all.  The E53 has normal sport seats and the leather on them is also showing no signs of splitting or cracking. 

They certainly know how to charge - over £1000 for the seat covering does not surprise me at all.

[lezmtaylor]

Sorry Condor, but my 2002 4.4 has comfort seats, as you say they are absolutely great.
Lez

[CondorX5]

[quote="lezmtaylor"]
Sorry Condor, but my 2002 4.4 has comfort seats, as you say they are absolutely great.
Lez
[/quote]

I meant my E53 Lez, not yours

[kgeddes]

Found this picture while on Autotrader...2013 F15, 13,000 miles, for sale at £38,000. Look at the seat side!!!

[Horizon]

Looks more like Leatherette